Korean KAI aircraft to integrate German IRIS-T missiles in a defense upgrade

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on February 18 in Berlin by a representative from KAI and the German defense firm, Diehl Defence.

The collaboration between the two companies includes the integration of the German-developed short-range air-to-air missiles IRIS-T with the currently produced FA-50 aircraft and the cutting-edge KF-21 Boramae aircraft that Korea is currently developing.

The potential use of IRIS-T missiles by FA-50 aircraft fits into the development timeline for this structure. Its current model - FA-50 Block 10 has limitations in its ability to utilize modern weaponry.

The integration of Korean planes with German weapons is facilitated because the IRIS-T missile was designed to be launched from planes that are capable of carrying American AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.

The IRIS-T is a short-range air-to-air missile developed in Germany. It is also used in land-based anti-aircraft systems (IRIS-T SLM) and has proven successful in combat conditions in Ukraine.

The missile is notable for its exceptional maneuverability, made possible in part by its thrust vectoring capability and the ability to maneuver with overloads of around 60 g. Despite being infrared-guided, it can also attack targets situated behind the aircraft from which it was launched.

Though the IRIS-T was originally designed as an anti-aircraft missile, tests have demonstrated that with a software update, it can also effectively destroy targets like boats or vehicles.